General Information About Urticaria
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
These are raised, itchy, and red plaques resembling mosquito bites, caused by fluid leakage in the skin due to sudden histamine release from allergy cells (mast cells) in the skin.
Bacterial infections, certain painkillers/antibiotics used, insect stings, allergenic foods like hazelnuts/peanuts/seafood, and intense psychological stress can suddenly trigger these rashes.
If the rashes start suddenly and resolve within less than 6 weeks, it is called Acute Urticaria; if it appears and disappears almost every day for longer than 6 weeks, it is called Chronic Urticaria.
It can appear anywhere on the body. The most typical feature of the wheals is that they disappear without a trace within 24 hours, but new ones appear in another part of the body.
Urticaria can often be accompanied by Angioedema, which is deep swelling under the skin. If the swelling is on the lips, eyelids, and especially in the throat (trachea), it poses a risk of suffocation to the patient and requires emergency intervention.
The basis of treatment is Antihistamine pills that stop histamine release. In severe attacks, short-term cortisone pills/injections are given. In chronic cases that do not pass for months, monthly vaccine/injection treatments (biological agents) yield very successful results.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
